eUICC subscription change

ABSTRACT

A connectivity service platform in a communication network manages changes to subscriptions for radio devices. When the connectivity service platform receives a subscription change message, it sends instructions to a radio device to change from the currently enabled subscription to a second subscription for its network connection. The connectivity service platform tests the second subscription network connection using a pre-defined testing procedure. More particularly, the test is performed uses a network connection from the second subscription to send and receive test messages to verify that the second subscription network connection has passed the testing. The first subscription is then disabled and the second subscription is enabled.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.14/237,780, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,369,863, which is the national stageentry under 35 U.S.C. 371 of International Application No.PCT/SE2013/051420, filed Nov. 29, 2013, each of which applications areincorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to methods and devices of a communicationnetwork for managing subscriptions for wireless connection of a radiodevice having an embedded Universal Integrated Circuit Card (eUICC).

BACKGROUND

Unlike a traditional UICC Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card used ina consumer device, e.g. a mobile phone, all eUICC that are deployed ine.g. Machine-to-Machine (M2M) solutions and embedded into the M2M devicecannot easily be accessed by human intervention to switch the SIM cardmanually during the device life cycle. According to the Global Systemfor Mobile Communications (GSM) Association (GSMA) eUICC standard (GSMA“Remote Provisioning Architecture for Embedded UICC” DRAFT 1.39 29 Apr.2013) and European Telecommunications Standards Institute (EISI) eUICCStandard (EXALTED “Expanding LTE for Devices” FP7 Contract Number:258512, Feb. 29, 2012), all eUICC shall be delivered with apre-installed provisioning subscription for remoteprovisioning/bootstrapping purpose (i.e. a provisioning/bootstrappingoperator provides initial bootstrapping connectivity for eUICC in orderto enable late binding feature i.e. to remotely provision the 1st eUICCoperational subscription to the eUICC when the device (e.g. a car)comprising the eUICC is shipped from initial manufacturer country to thedestination country (1st operational subscription could be provided bythe local operator from the destination country), and then later tochange the eUICC active operational subscription from the currentoperator subscription to an new operator (due to the location beingchanged to another country, or changed operator subscription) during thedevice/eUICC long life cycle (15-20 years), in order to avoid highroaming fee and/or single operator lock-in situation during the devicelong life cycle e.g. in the automotive industry or for smartmetering/security cameras etc.

However, eUICC connectivity may be lost permanently during subscriptionmanagement lifecycle, e.g. when changing from an old subscription to anew subscription, for providing the eUICC device with a networkconnection, and the new subscription does not function properly. Thereare many reasons why the new subscription may not function properly. Forinstance, the new subscription credentials may not have been installedcorrectly in the eUICC and/or the network home location register (HLR),during the subscription provisioning or downloading/installation phase;the new subscription may be in a deactivated status in the network; thenew subscription doesn't have a roaming agreement in the current locatedarea; etc. In these cases, the eUICC will lose cellular connectivityimmediately after subscription change process when the new subscriptionis enabled and the old subscription is disabled, and once the eUICCloses cellular connectivity, it will lose cellular connectivitypermanently. The only way may be to ship the eUICC/device back to theSIM vendor's trusted secure factory to re-provision an availablesubscription via wired or non-cellular wireless connectivity, so thatthe eUICC can regain the cellular connectivity and connect to a cellularnetwork.

Chapter 3.5.12 “Fall-Back Mechanism” of GSMA “Remote ProvisioningArchitecture for Embedded UICC” DRAFT 1.39 29 Apr. 2013 states that inthe event of loss of network connectivity, as detected by the device,there is a need to change to the profile with fall-back attribute set.In this case the eUICC disables the currently enabled Profile (ProfileA) and enables the Profile with Fall-back Attribute set (Profile B). Thedevice reports network loss to the eUICC. The eUICC is configured toperform the fall-back mechanism if certain network connectivity issuesare reported by the Device.

SUMMARY

It has been realised that it may be difficult to fall back since theradio device has lost network connectivity and may not have an activesecondary subscription to fall back to. It can thus not contact awireless network of another operator to set up another subscriptionsince it does not have network connectivity.

Subscriptions of radio devices, e.g. M2M devices, may be handled via aconnectivity service platform, e.g. the Ericsson Device ConnectionPlatform (DCP) or other hosted core network (CN) or home public landmobile network (Home PLMN or HPLMN) which may be used by severaldifferent network operators to manage subscriptions for radio deviceshaving eUICC (since the subscriptions are not handled manually byinserting a UICC card in the device). Thus, a host may host amulti-tenant home location register (HLR) and other core network nodes(Gateway General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) support node (GGSN), shortmessage service centre (SMSC), etc.) in HPLMN as a core network servicefor all customer operators. All the M2M subscribers of the operators areregistered and stored on hosted HLR. Connectivity is provided as aservice to all operators hosted on the platform. On top of the corenetwork service, also a cloud business support system (BSS) may behosted to provision and manage subscriber data, processes, billing, etc.In accordance with the present disclosure, eUICC features are added inthe connectivity service platform to meet the new developments withinthis field (eUICC for M2M connections from vehicles (cars), smartmetering, security camera, and also for consumer electronics).

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided amethod performed by a connectivity service platform in a communicationnetwork. The method comprises receiving a subscription change messagecomprising instructions for the connectivity service platform to changefrom a currently enabled first subscription to a second subscription forproviding a network connection to a radio device comprising an eUICC.The method also comprises sending a subscription change message to theradio device, comprising instructions for the radio device to changefrom the currently enabled first subscription to the second subscriptionfor its network connection. The method also comprises enabling thesecond subscription within the connectivity service platform, therebyenabling the connectivity service platform for communicating with theradio device via the network connection from the second subscription ofthe radio device instead of from the first subscription. The method alsocomprises testing the second subscription network connection of theradio device in accordance with a predefined testing procedure by usingthe network connection from the second subscription for sending at leastone test message to, and receiving at least one test message from, theradio device. The method also comprises verifying that the secondsubscription network connection has passed the testing. The method alsocomprises disabling the first subscription within the connectivityservice platform, after the verifying, thereby disabling theconnectivity service platform from communicating with the radio devicevia the network connection from the first subscription of the radiodevice.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provideda computer program product comprising computer-executable components forcausing a connectivity service platform to perform an embodiment of themethod performed by a connectivity service platform, of the presentdisclosure, when the computer-executable components are run on processorcircuitry comprised in the connectivity service platform.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provideda connectivity service platform for a communication network. Theplatform comprises processor circuitry, and storage storing instructionsthat, when executed by the processor circuitry, cause the connectivityservice platform to receive a subscription change message comprisinginstructions for the connectivity service platform to change from acurrently enabled first subscription to a second subscription forproviding a network connection to a radio device comprising an eUICC.The instructions also cause the platform to send a subscription changemessage to the radio device, comprising instructions for the radiodevice to change from the currently enabled first subscription to thesecond subscription for its network connection. The instructions alsocause the platform to enable the second subscription within theconnectivity service platform, thereby enabling the connectivity serviceplatform for communicating with the radio device via the networkconnection from the second subscription of the radio device instead offrom the first subscription. The instructions also cause the platform totest the second subscription network connection of the radio device inaccordance with a predefined testing procedure by using the networkconnection from the second subscription for sending at least one testmessage to, and receiving at least one test message from, the radiodevice. The instructions also cause the platform to verify that thesecond subscription network connection has passed the testing. Theinstructions also cause the platform to disable the first subscriptionwithin the connectivity service platform, after the verifying, therebydisabling the connectivity service platform from communicating with theradio device via the network connection from the first subscription ofthe radio device.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provideda computer program comprising computer program code which is able to,when run on processor circuitry of a connectivity service platform in acommunication network, cause the connectivity service platform toreceive a subscription change message comprising instructions for theconnectivity service platform to change from a currently enabled firstsubscription to a second subscription for providing a network connectionto a radio device comprising an eUICC. The code is also able to causethe platform to send a subscription change message to the radio device,comprising instructions for the radio device to change from thecurrently enabled first subscription to the second subscription for itsnetwork connection. The code is also able to cause the platform toenable the second subscription within the connectivity service platform,thereby enabling the connectivity service platform for communicatingwith the radio device via the network connection from the secondsubscription of the radio device instead of from the first subscription.The code is also able to cause the platform to test the secondsubscription network connection of the radio device in accordance with apredefined testing procedure by using the network connection from thesecond subscription for sending at least one test message to, andreceiving at least one test message from, the radio device. The code isalso able to cause the platform to verify that the second subscriptionnetwork connection has passed the testing. The code is also able tocause the platform to disable the first subscription within theconnectivity service platform, after the verifying, thereby disablingthe connectivity service platform from communicating with the radiodevice via the network connection from the first subscription of theradio device.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provideda computer program product comprising an embodiment of the computerprogram for a connectivity service platform, of the present disclosure,and a computer readable means on which the computer program is stored.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provideda method performed by a radio device in a communication network andcomprising an eUICC. The method comprises receiving a subscriptionchange message from a connectivity service platform, comprisinginstructions for the radio device to change from the currently enabledfirst subscription to the second subscription for its networkconnection. The method also comprises enabling the second subscriptionwithin the radio device, thereby enabling the radio device forcommunicating with the connectivity service platform via the networkconnection from the second subscription of the radio device instead offrom the first subscription. The method also comprises testing thesecond subscription network connection of the radio device in accordancewith a predefined testing procedure by using the network connection fromthe second subscription for sending at least one test message to, andreceiving at least one test message from, the connectivity serviceplatform. The method also comprises verifying that the secondsubscription network connection has passed the testing. The method alsocomprises disabling the first subscription within the radio device,after the verifying, thereby disabling the radio device fromcommunicating with the connectivity service platform via the networkconnection from the first subscription of the radio device.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provideda computer program product comprising computer-executable components forcausing a radio device to perform an embodiment of the method performedby a radio device, of the present disclosure, when thecomputer-executable components are run on processor circuitry comprisedin the radio device.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provideda radio device for a communication network. The radio device comprisesan eUICC, processor circuitry, and storage storing instructions that,when executed by the processor circuitry, cause the radio device toreceive a subscription change message from a connectivity serviceplatform, comprising instructions for the radio device to change fromthe currently enabled first subscription to the second subscription forits network connection. The instructions also cause the radio device toenable the second subscription within the radio device, thereby enablingthe radio device for communicating with the connectivity serviceplatform via the network connection from the second subscription of theradio device instead of from the first subscription. The instructionsalso cause the radio device to test the second subscription networkconnection of the radio device in accordance with a predefined testingprocedure by using the network connection from the second subscriptionfor sending at least one test message to, and receiving at least onetest message from, the connectivity service platform. The instructionsalso cause the radio device to verify that the second subscriptionnetwork connection has passed the testing. The instructions also causethe radio device to disable the first subscription within the radiodevice, after the verifying, thereby disabling the radio device fromcommunicating with the connectivity service platform via the networkconnection from the first subscription of the radio device.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provideda computer program comprising computer program code which is able to,when run on processor circuitry of a radio device in a communicationnetwork and comprising an eUICC, cause the radio device to receive asubscription change message from a connectivity service platform,comprising instructions for the radio device to change from thecurrently enabled first subscription to the second subscription for itsnetwork connection. The code is also able to cause the radio device toenable the second subscription within the radio device, thereby enablingthe radio device for communicating with the connectivity serviceplatform via the network connection from the second subscription of theradio device instead of from the first subscription. The code is alsoable to cause the radio device to test the second subscription networkconnection of the radio device in accordance with a predefined testingprocedure by using the network connection from the second subscriptionfor sending at least one test message to, and receiving at least onetest message from, the connectivity service platform. The code is alsoable to cause the radio device to verify that the second subscriptionnetwork connection has passed the testing. The code is also able tocause the radio device to disable the first subscription within theradio device, after the verifying, thereby disabling the radio devicefrom communicating with the connectivity service platform via thenetwork connection from the first subscription of the radio device.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provideda computer program product comprising an embodiment of the computerprogram for the radio device, of the present disclosure, and a computerreadable means on which the computer program is stored.

By enabling and testing the network connection provided by the secondsubscription before disabling the first subscription, it is ensured thata subscription able to provide a functioning network connection is stillenabled even if the new (second) subscription fails. The solution inaccordance with the present disclosure may be viewed as a soft handoverfrom one subscription to another subscription for avoiding permanentloss of connectivity of the radio device. The soft handover may be usedinstead of or as a compliment to a fall-back policy for handlingproblems with changing from a first subscription to a secondsubscription.

Generally, all terms used in the claims are to be interpreted accordingto their ordinary meaning in the technical field, unless explicitlydefined otherwise herein. All references to “a/an/the element,apparatus, component, means, step, etc.” are to be interpreted openly asreferring to at least one instance of the element, apparatus, component,means, step, etc., unless explicitly stated otherwise. The steps of anymethod disclosed herein do not have to be performed in the exact orderdisclosed, unless explicitly stated. The use of “first”, “second” etc.for different features/components of the present disclosure are onlyintended to distinguish the features/components from other similarfeatures/components and not to impart any order or hierarchy to thefeatures/components.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments will be described, by way of example, with reference to theaccompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram illustrating an embodiment of acommunication network in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a connectivityservice platform of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a radio deviceof the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of an embodiment of a computerprogram product of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5a is a schematic flow chart of an embodiment of a method of aconnectivity service platform, of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5b is a schematic flow chart of another embodiment of a method of aconnectivity service platform, of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6a is a schematic flow chart of an embodiment of a method of aradio device, of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6b is a schematic flow chart of another embodiment of a method of aradio device, of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a schematic flow chart of exemplary embodiments of a method ina communication network, in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 is a schematic signalling diagram for an embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 9 is a schematic block diagram illustrating example embodiments ofthe present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments will now be described more fully hereinafter with referenceto the accompanying drawings, in which certain embodiments are shown.However, other embodiments in many different forms are possible withinthe scope of the present disclosure. Rather, the following embodimentsare provided by way of example so that this disclosure will be thoroughand complete, and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to thoseskilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout thedescription.

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram illustrating an embodiment of acommunication network 1 in accordance with the present disclosure. Thecommunication network 1 comprises a connectivity service platform 2,e.g. an Ericsson Device Connection Platform (EDCP or DCP) for providingCN functionality for customers in the form of several different mobilenetwork operators (MNO) for a plurality of radio devices 5 having eUICC6, e.g. M2M devices 5. Each of the radio devices 5 may be any device oruser equipment (UE), mobile or stationary, enabled to communicate over aradio cannel in a communications network, for instance but not limitedto e.g. mobile phone, smart phone, modem, sensors, meters, vehicles suchas cars or the like, household appliances, medical appliances, mediaplayers, cameras, or any type of consumer electronic, for instance butnot limited to television, radio, lighting arrangements, tabletcomputer, laptop, or personal computer (PC). The connectivity serviceplatform 2 of the embodiment of FIG. 1 comprises a cloud businesssupport system (BSS) 3 as well as a cloud home public land mobilenetwork (HPLMN) 4. The HPLMN 4 comprises any regular CN nodes or modulesof a radio communication network, e.g. home location register (HLR),Gateway General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) support node (GGSN), shortmessage service centre (SMSC), Signal Transfer Point (STP), Domain NameSystem (DNS), and authentication, authorization and accounting (AAA)RADIUS, for e.g. Signalling System 7 (SS7) and/or Integrated ServicesDigital Network (ISDN) communications protocols of signalling transport(SIGTRAN). The radio device 5 has a wireless connection to the network 1and the platform 2 via a wireless connection provided by a visited PLMN(VPLMN) of a network operator 7 or 8. Each of the VPLMN also comprisethe nodes and modules typical for such networks. Each operator 7, 8 hasa radio access network (RAN) with base stations via which radio devicesmay connect wirelessly provided that they have an enabled and activesubscription with the operator. Since the radio device has an eUICC, theeUICC needs to be flash updated in order to change to a new subscriptionfor its wireless connection. Instructions for the update need typicallybe received via its wireless connection of an old subscription beforethe change to the new subscription. The new subscription, may be withthe same operator 7 as the old subscription, but it may more commonly bewith a new operator 8.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the platform 2 may storeinformation about the predefined testing procedure, and send a testingprocedure message comprising information about the predefined testingprocedure to the radio device 5. Correspondingly, the radio device mayin some embodiments, receive the testing procedure message comprisinginformation about the predefined testing procedure from the connectivityservice platform 2, and store the received information about thepredefined testing procedure. Thus, the platform 2 may communicate thetesting procedure to the radio device 5. The testing procedure of theradio device 5 is typically the same as the testing procedure of theplatform 2, but it is conceivable that the testing procedure of theradio device is different than the testing procedure of the platform 2,if it is suitable to adjust the testing procedure for better conformingto the needs of the radio device 5. The testing procedure is typicallycommunicated to the radio device before either of the platform 2 and thedevice 5 tests the second subscription network connection. It may beconvenient that the testing procedure is the same for the platform andthe radio device, since it is often important that the platform and theradio device come to the same conclusion as to whether the secondsubscription is verified as having passed the testing or not, such thatboth sides uses either the first or the second subscription after theverification.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the radio device 5 willsend, and the platform 2 will receive, a verification message comprisinginformation about that the second subscription network connection haspassed a corresponding testing procedure performed by the radio device,before the disabling of the first subscription. This will ensure thatthe radio device 5 has come to the same conclusion as the platform 2 inthe step of verifying, before both sides disables the firstsubscription. Correspondingly, the platform 2 may send, and the radiodevice 5 receive, a verification message comprising information aboutthat the second subscription network connection has passed a the testingprocedure performed by the platform, before the disabling of the firstsubscription.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the first subscription iswith a first network operator 7, and the second subscription is with asecond network operator 8, different than a first network operator 7.However, in other embodiments, the second subscription may be with thesame first network operator 7 as the first subscription.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the test messagescomprises at least one of: a downlink SMS message, an uplink SMSmessage, a downlink data message, an uplink data message, and a messagefor setting up a voice call, and combinations thereof. These areexamples of test messages which may be sent and/or received by theplatform 2 and the radio device 5 in order to test the networkconnectivity provided by means of the second subscription, in accordancewith the predetermined test procedure.

FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a connectivityservice platform 2 of the present disclosure. The platform 2 comprisesprocessor circuitry 21 e.g. a central processing unit (CPU). Theprocessor circuitry 21 may comprise one or a plurality of processingunits in the form of microprocessor(s). However, other suitable deviceswith computing capabilities could be comprised in the processor 21, e.g.an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmablegate array (FPGA) or a complex programmable logic device (CPLD). Theprocessor circuitry 21 is configured to run one or several computerprogram(s) or software 41 stored in a storage 26 e.g. comprising amemory. The processor circuitry comprises one or several modules 22-25as a result of executing SW 41 in the storage 26, e.g. the testconnectivity component (TCC) 22, a test connectivity server (TCS) 23, asubscription change component (SCC) 24 and/or a traffic and signallingmonitor (TSM) 25. The TCC 22 is, in FIG. 9, as an example depicted ascomprising the TCS 23 as well as the executed test procedure 27 andverification procedure 92. Each of these modules may be formed byseparate or dedicated processors of the processor circuitry 21 or by acommon processor. The storage 26 may comprise one or several storageunits, of one or several type(s), each of which can be regarded as acomputer readable means as discussed herein and may e.g. be in the formof a Random Access Memory (RAM), a Flash memory or other solid statememory, or a hard disk, or be a combination thereof. Also the HLR 28 aswell as the test procedure 27 is part of/stored in the storage 26. Theprocessor circuitry 21 is also configured to store data in the storage26, as needed. The platform 2 also comprises a communication interface29 for communication with the radio device 5 as well as with other partsof the communication network 1 such as the operators 7 and 8. Thecommunication interface may comprise a transmitter and a receiver for,in cooperation with the processor circuitry 21, sending and receivingdata messages and other digital signalling.

FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a radio device 5of the present disclosure. The radio device 5 comprises processorcircuitry 31 e.g. a central processing unit (CPU). The processorcircuitry 31 may comprise one or a plurality of processing units in theform of microprocessor(s). However, other suitable devices withcomputing capabilities could be comprised in the processor circuitry 31,e.g. an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a fieldprogrammable gate array (FPGA) or a complex programmable logic device(CPLD). The processor circuitry 31 is configured to run one or severalcomputer program(s) or software 41 stored in a storage 36 e.g.comprising a memory. The processor circuitry comprises one or severalmodules 32-35 as a result of executing SW 41 in the storage 36, e.g. thetest connectivity component (TCC) 32, a test connectivity server (TCS)33, a subscription change component (SCC) 34 and/or a traffic andsignalling monitor (TSM) 35. The TCC 32 is, in FIG. 9, as an exampledepicted as comprising the TCS 33 as well as the executed test procedure37 and verification procedure 93. Each of these modules may be formed byseparate or dedicated processors of the processor circuitry 31 or by acommon processor. The storage 36 may comprise one or several storageunits, of one or several type(s), each of which can be regarded as acomputer readable means as discussed herein and may e.g. be in the formof a Random Access Memory (RAM), a Flash memory or other solid statememory, or a hard disk, or be a combination thereof. Also the eIUCC 6 ofthe device 5 as well as the test procedure 37 is part of/stored in thestorage 36. The processor circuitry 31 is also configured to store datain the storage 36, as needed. The radio device 5 also comprises a radiocommunication interface 39 for communication with the platform 2 as wellas with other parts of the communication network 1 such as the operators7 and 8. The communication interface may comprise a transmitter and areceiver, as well as an antenna, for, in cooperation with the processorcircuitry 31, sending and receiving data messages and other digitalsignalling wirelessly.

FIG. 4 illustrates a computer program product 40. The computer programproduct 40 comprises a computer readable medium 42 comprising a computerprogram 41 in the form of computer-executable components 41. Thecomputer program/computer-executable components 41 may be configured tocause a device, e.g. the platform 2 or the radio device 5 as discussedherein, to perform an embodiment of the method of the presentdisclosure. The computer program/computer-executable components may berun on the processor circuitry 21 of the platform 2 or the processorcircuitry 31 of the radio device 5 for causing the device to perform themethod. The computer program product 40 may e.g. be comprised in astorage 26 or 36 comprised in the platform or radio device andassociated with the processor circuitry 21 or 31. Alternatively, thecomputer program product 40 may be, or be part of, a separate, e.g.mobile, storage means, such as a computer readable disc, e.g. CD or DVDor hard disc/drive, or a solid state storage medium, e.g. a RAM or Flashmemory.

FIG. 5a is a schematic flow chart of an embodiment of a method of theconnectivity service platform 2, of the present disclosure. The platform2 receives 50 a subscription change message comprising instructions forthe connectivity service platform 2 to change from a currently enabledfirst subscription to a second subscription for providing a networkconnection to a radio device 5 comprising an eUICC 6. The message maye.g. be from the first MNO 7 or from the second MNO 8, both of which arecustomers for using the platform 2 and are thus able to control theirrespective subscriptions in the platform 2. Then, the platform 2 sends51 a subscription change message to the radio device 5, comprisinginstructions for the radio device to change from the currently enabledfirst subscription to the second subscription for its networkconnection. Thus, the platform instructs the radio device 5 to performthe same subscription change as the platform has been instructed toperform by the receiving 50 of the subscription change message. Theplatform 2 enables 52 the second subscription within the connectivityservice platform 2, in accordance with the received 50 instructions,thereby enabling the connectivity service platform 2 for communicatingwith the radio device 5 via the network connection from the secondsubscription of the radio device instead of from the first subscription.Then, the platform 2 tests 53 the second subscription network connectionof the radio device 5 in accordance with a predefined testing procedure27 by using the network connection from the second subscription forsending at least one test message to, and receiving at least one testmessage from, the radio device 5. These sent and received test messagesare part of the test procedure 27 of the platform 2 and not part ofregular signalling for trying to set up a network connection. After theexchange of test messages, the platform 2 verifies 54 that the secondsubscription network connection has passed the testing 53. Thus, theplatform studies the results of the exchange of test messages anddecides that the network connection of the second subscription functionssufficiently for proceeding with the subscription change. So far in themethod, since the platform enabled 52 the second subscription, theplatform has had both the first and second subscriptions enabled for theradio device 5. Then, the platform 2 disables 55 the first subscriptionwithin the connectivity service platform 2, after the verifying 54,thereby disabling the connectivity service platform 2 from communicatingwith the radio device 5 via the network connection from the firstsubscription of the radio device. Thereby, the change of subscription iscomplete with the second subscription enabled and providing afunctioning network connection and the first subscription having beendisabled without risking to loose network connectivity of the radiodevice 5.

FIG. 5b is a schematic flow chart of another embodiment of a method ofthe connectivity service platform 2, of the present disclosure. Thesteps of receiving 50, sending 51, enabling 52, testing 53, verifying54, and disabling 55 are as discussed in relation to FIG. 5a . Further,the platform 2 may store 56 information about the predefined testingprocedure 27, and may then send 57 a testing procedure messagecomprising information about the predefined testing procedure 27 to theradio device 5, before the testing 53. The platform 2 may thus informthe radio device about what testing, and optionally also whatverification, procedure to use. Typically, the testing procedure 27 ofthe platform 2 is the same as the testing procedure 37 used by the radiodevice 5, but it is also possible to adapt the testing procedure 37 ofthe radio device to better suit the situation the radio device is in. Insome embodiments, the platform 2 may receive 58 a verification messagefrom the radio device 5, comprising information about that the secondsubscription network connection has passed a corresponding testingprocedure 37 performed by the radio device, before the disabling 55 ofthe first subscription. Thus, the radio device may, after it hascompleted its testing procedure 37, inform the platform 2 that thesecond subscription, from the perspective of the radio device 5, appearsto be ok. The platform 2 may then correlate this with its own findingfrom the testing 53 and verifying 54 to see that the second subscriptionhas passed at both sides, giving an even stronger indication that it issafe to disable 55 the first subscription. Similarly, the platform 2 maysend a verification message to the radio device 5.

FIG. 6a is a schematic flow chart of an embodiment of a method of theradio device 5, of the present disclosure. The radio device 5 receives60 a subscription change message from the connectivity service platform2, comprising instructions for the radio device 5 to change from thecurrently enabled first subscription to the second subscription for itsnetwork connection. The radio device 5 then acts upon the received 60instructions by enabling 61 the second subscription within the radiodevice 5, thereby enabling the radio device 5 for communicating with theconnectivity service platform 2 via the network connection from thesecond subscription of the radio device instead of from the firstsubscription. Then, in conformity with the method of the platform 2discussed in relation to FIGS. 5a and 5b , the radio device tests 62 thesecond subscription network connection of the radio device 5 inaccordance with a predefined testing procedure 37 by using the networkconnection from the second subscription for sending at least one testmessage to, and receiving at least one test message from, theconnectivity service platform 2. These sent and received test messagesare part of the test procedure 37 of the device 5 and not part ofregular signalling for trying to set up a network connection. After theexchange of test messages, the radio device 5 verifies 63 that thesecond subscription network connection has passed the testing 62. Thus,the radio device studies the results of the exchange of test messagesand decides that the network connection of the second subscriptionfunctions sufficiently for proceeding with the subscription change. Sofar in the method, since the radio device enabled 61 the secondsubscription, the radio device has had both the first and secondsubscriptions enabled. Then, the radio device disables 64 the firstsubscription within the radio device 5, after the verifying 63, therebydisabling the radio device 5 from communicating with the connectivityservice platform 2 via the network connection from the firstsubscription of the radio device. Thereby, the change of subscription iscomplete with the second subscription enabled and providing afunctioning network connection and the first subscription having beendisabled without risking to loose network connectivity of the radiodevice 5.

FIG. 6b is a schematic flow chart of another embodiment of a method ofthe radio device 5, of the present disclosure. The steps of receiving60, enabling 61, testing 62, verifying 63, and disabling 64 are asdiscussed in relation to FIG. 6a . Further, the radio device 5 mayreceive 65 a testing procedure message from the platform 2, comprisinginformation about the predefined testing procedure 37, and the radiodevice may then store 66 the received 65 information about thepredefined testing procedure 37, before the testing 62. In someembodiments, the radio device 5 receives 67 a verification message fromthe platform 2, comprising information about that the secondsubscription network connection has passed the corresponding testingprocedure 27 performed by the connectivity service platform 2, beforethe disabling 64 of the first subscription. Thus, the platform 2 may,after it has completed its testing procedure 27, inform the radio device5 that the second subscription, from the perspective of the platform 2,appears to be ok. The radio device 5 may then correlate this with itsown finding from the testing 62 and verifying 63 to see that the secondsubscription has passed the testing at both sides, giving an evenstronger indication that it is safe to disable 64 the firstsubscription. Similarly, the radio device 5 may send a verificationmessage to the platform 2.

FIG. 7 is a schematic flow chart of exemplary embodiments of a method inthe communication network 1. The flow chart gives a more overall view ofthe methods discussed in respect of the FIGS. 5 and 6, from theperspective of the whole network 1, instead of from the perspective ofeither the platform 2 or the radio device 5. To begin with, the firstsubscription is enabled 71. This is the starting situation and the firstsubscription is enabled in both the radio device 5 and the platform 2.Then, the second subscription is downloaded and installed 72, afterwhich the second subscription is enabled 73 in both the radio device 5and the platform 2. Then, the testing 74 of the second subscriptionconnection ensues, resulting in either a verified pass or a verifiedfail. If the second subscription passes the testing 74, then (both inthe platform 2 and the radio device 5) the first subscription isdisabled 75 while the second subscription is kept enabled. Conversely,if the second subscription fails the testing 74, then (both in theplatform 2 and the radio device 5) the second subscription is disabled76 while the first subscription is kept enabled.

FIG. 8 is a schematic signalling diagram for an embodiment of thepresent disclosure. Above, in respect of FIGS. 5 and 6, messages sentbetween the platform 2 and the radio device 5 have been discussed. InFIG. 8, these are illustrated in a signalling diagram. Thus, a testingprocedure message 81 may be sent 57 by the platform 2 and received 65 bythe radio device 5. A subscription change message 82 is received 50 bythe platform 2 (this could be before or after sending 57 the testingprocedure message 81). In response to the received 50 subscriptionchange message 82, the platform 2 sends 51 and the radio device 5receives 60 a subscription change message 83. Then, both the platform 2and the radio device 5 will perform the testing 53/62 and verifications54/63 discussed herein, after which the radio device 5 may send and theplatform 2 may receive 58 a verification message 84, before, after or atthe same time as which the platform 2 may send and the radio device 5may receive 67 a verification message 85.

Example 1

Provided is a eUICC 6 subscription change process with a testingprocedure before real subscription change from first MNO 7 to second MNO8 (i.e. after MNO 8 second subscription is enabled, test MNO 8subscription first before disabling MNO 7 first subscription). It isdetected and determined when the platform 2 and eUICC 6 can disable thefirst MNO 7 subscription. Before disabling the first subscription,during the subscription change process, on both the radio device/eUICCside and the platform side:

Execute the predefine test procedure including Attach, Location Update,mobile originated (MO)/mobile terminated (MT) short message service(SMS), general packet radio service (GPRS) uplink (UL) and downlink (DL)data, etc. in order to test 53/62 if the second subscription is workingwell, if working well then the first subscription is disabled 55/64. Ifnot, then the second subscription is disabled 76 while keeping the firstsubscription enabled.

The radio device 5 will not keep dual radio interfaces at the same time.It only uses the second enabled subscription to attach to the network 1to test the new connectivity. So even though the first subscription isstill enabled, it is not used (attached) when the new IMSI is used(attached). Once the test has passed, the first enabled subscription isdisabled.

A fall-back mechanism may apply to any time in the eUICC 6 lifecycle.Whenever there is connectivity failure during the lifecycle it may bepossible to fall-back to an available subscription e.g. the provisioningsubscription, but the testing procedure 27/37 only applies after thesecond subscription is installed and enabled 52/61 and it is requires toexecute the test procedure before disabling 55/64 the firstsubscription. The test procedure 27/37 is only executed after the secondsubscription is installed and enabled 52/61, and will not be executedanymore during the lifecycle once the second subscription has beenverified 54/63 and passed the test procedure. Therefore, the testprocedure only applies during the subscription change process, while thefall-back procedure may always be active during the whole eUICC 6lifecycle to make sure it is possible to fall-back anytime during thewhole eUICC lifecycle.

Example 2

With reference to FIG. 9, example methods will now be discussed in moredetail.

Step A

The test connectivity component (TCC) 22 in the platform 2 BSS 3 definesthe testing procedure 27 and a verification procedure 92, and thetesting connectivity server (TCS) 23 then sends 57 the defined testingprocedure and verification procedure and testing server address to thetest connectivity component (TCC) 32 in eUICC 6 of the radio device 5,by SIM provisioning by over-the-air (SIMOTA) eUICC subscriptionmanager-secure routing (SM-SR), server 91 via the current enabledconnectivity (MNO 7 first subscription/international mobile subscriberidentity (IMSI) connectivity).

Test Connectivity Server (TCS) 23 is a server for testing MO/MT (Mobileoriginated/Mobile terminated) SMS, UL/DL (Uplink/Downlink) data, etc.

The test procedure 27/37 (can include but is not restricted to thefollowing steps).

-   -   1. Device 5 initiated: Attach request (incl. authentication        request)    -   2. Device 5 initiated: Location update request    -   3. Device 5 initiated: MO SMS (Mobile Originated SMS) to test        server 23    -   4. Device 5 initiated: outgoing call to test Server 23        (optional)    -   5. Device 5 initiated: Create Packet data protocol (PDP) context        request    -   6. Device 5 initiated: PDP context activation request    -   7. Device 5 initiated: transfer UL/DL Data to/from Test server        23    -   8. Network 1/platform 2 initiated: MT SMS (triggered by test        server 23) (Mobile Terminated SMS) from test server 23    -   9. Network 1/platform 2 initiated: incoming call (triggered by        test server 23) (optional)    -   10. Network 1/platform 2 initiated: Insert Subscriber Data        (triggered by platform 2 HLR 28)    -   11. Network 1/platform 2 initiated: Cancel Location (triggered        by platform 2 HLR 28)

Verification Procedure 92/93:

If all the test operations passed successfully without any failure orrejection message regarding the MNO 8 second subscription (IMSI/MobileSubscriber Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) Number (MSISDN)),it verifies that the second subscription/connectivity works well, andthe verification result of the second subscription is “Passed”.

If there is any failure or rejection message received during the testingprocedure 27/37, the verification result of the second subscription is“Failed”.

It may be possible to perform the test procedure 27/37 several times ifthe failure reason is due to a temporary network failure e.g. delay,poor coverage, weak signal, congestion, etc., and the verificationresult will then be the result of the latest test.

Step B

The subscription change component (SCC) 24 in the platform 2 BSS 3receives 50 the subscription change request 82 to change the enabledsubscription from the first subscription to the second subscription.

The SCC 24 and the HLR 28 will enable 52 the second subscription.However, they shall not disable first subscription at this stage. So MNO7 first subscription/IMSI is still enabled in the platform 2.

SCC 24 in BSS 3 shall notify the eUICC 6 SCC 34 via SIMOTA (eUICC SM-SR)server 91 to change the subscription from first (enabled) subscriptionof MNO 7 to the second (new) subscription (IMSI) of MNO 8, via the firstsubscription connectivity.

SCC 34 in eUICC 6 enables 61 the second subscription. However is shallnot disable the first subscription at this stage. So MNO 7 firstsubscription/IMSI is still enabled in eUICC 6.

Step C

On both eUICC 6 and platform 2 (network) side: SCC 24/34 shall notifyTCC 22/32 to start 53/62 testing procedure 27/37 of the secondsubscription.

Step D

On both eUICC 6 and platform 2 (network) side: TCC 22/32 starts 53/62the testing procedure of the second subscription, according to testingprocedure 27/37 predefined in Step A.

Test Procedure 37 in eUICC 6 TCC 32 shall notify the testingconnectivity application (TCA) 33 to use the second subscription(IMSI/MSISDN) to attach to the network 1, and send Mobile Originatedsignalling and traffic request to the TCS 23 according to the predefinedtesting procedure 37, while still keeping the first subscription enabledbut not used.

Test Procedure 27 in the platform 2 TCC 22 shall notify the TCS 23 touse the second subscription (IMSI/MSISDN) to send Mobile Terminatedsignalling and traffic request to the radio device 5/eUICC 6 accordingto the predefined testing procedure 27, while still keeping the firstsubscription enabled but not used.

Step E

Testing procedure starts 53/62 on both radio device 5 side and platform2 (network) side, with the pre-defined testing procedure 27/37 in StepA. On platform 2, the traffic and signalling monitor (TSM) 25 startsmonitoring the signalling and traffic log, while on the radio device 5(eUICC) side the TSM 35 starts monitoring the signalling and trafficlog.

The radio device 5 detaches from network 1 with the firstsubscription/IMSI and reattaches to the network using the secondsubscription/IMSI (in this case both MNO 7 IMSI and MNO 8 IMSI areenabled at the same time on eUICC 6 during the subscription changeprocess, however device/eUICC shall always only use the latest enabledsubscription/IMSI to attach to network 1, i.e. the MNO 8 IMSI will beattached to network 1, MNO 7 IMSI will be detached). TSM 35 in eUICC 6starts to monitor the ongoing signalling flow and traffic flow with MNO8 IMSI/MSISDN, on the radio device side.

The radio device 5 shall perform signalling requests and trafficrequests according to predefined testing procedure 37, using MNO 8IMSI/MSISDN, e.g.:

-   -   Attach request (incl. authentication request)    -   Location Update request    -   MO SMS    -   PDP activation request    -   Transfer UL/DL data

Meanwhile, on the platform 2 (network) side the TSM 25, possibly in aplatform 2 probe, starts to monitor the ongoing signalling flow andtraffic flow for all signalling and traffic using the MNO 8 IMSI/MSISDN.

The platform 2 shall perform signalling requests and traffic requestsaccording to predefined testing procedure, using MNO 8 IMSI/MSISDN,e.g.:

-   -   MT SMS    -   Insert Subscriber Data request    -   Cancel Location request

Step F

On both eUICC 6 and platform 2 (network) side: TCC 22/32 acquires thereal-time traffic and signalling log from the TSM 25/35, in order toverify 54/63 whether the second subscription (MNO 8 IMSI) works well ornot, according to the predefined verification procedure 27/37 in Step A.

After the testing procedure has finished (Note that testing procedurecould be executed several times due to temporary network failures, inwhich case only the final test result is counted), if the TSM 25/35 loghas reported no failure or rejection message regarding MNO 8IMSI/MSISDN, the verification result of the second subscription andconnectivity is “Pass”.

If there is any failure or rejection message during the testingprocedure from the TSM 25/35 log, the verification result of the secondsubscription is “Fail”.

Note (Additional steps for guarantee synchronized verification result):

In rare cases, there may be different testing result (pass or fail) frommobile device side and from platform (network) side, so one side couldbe “Failure” and the other side could be “Pass”. In order to avoid thediscrepancy, an additional step may be executed to synchronize theverification 54/63 result between eUICC 6 and platform 2:

After testing 53/62 and verification 54/63 procedure is finished, theverification result shall be stored on both eUICC 6 and platform 2sides. Both eUICC 6 and platform 2 shall disconnect from the secondsubscription, and reconnect again via the first subscription. Theverification result shall be synchronized between eUICC 6 and platform 2(via SIMOTA server 91), if either side is “Fail”, the final verificationresult on both eUICC and platform side shall be “Fail”, no matter if theother side result is “Pass” or “Fail”. This may be done by exchange ofthe verification messages 84 and/or 85.

Step G

On both eUICC 6 and platform 2 (network) side:

In case the verification result is “Pass”: TCC 22/32 notifies the SCC24/34 to disable the first subscription of MNO 7. The secondsubscription of MNO 8 remains enabled in both eUICC 6 and platform 2.

In case the verification result is “Fail”: TCC 22/32 notifies the SCC24/34 to disable the second subscription of MNO 8. The firstsubscription of MNO 7 remains enabled in both eUICC 6 and platform 2.

Step H

On both eUICC 6 and platform 2 (network) side:

In case the verification result is “Pass”: SCC 24/34 disables 55/64 thefirst subscription. The second subscription remains enabled in botheUICC and the platform, and shall be active, i.e. eUICC 6 shall remainattached to network 1 with MNO 8 second subscription, or shall reattachto network 1 with MNO 8 second subscription if the radio device 5 is indetached mode or is attached with the first subscription.

In case the verification result is “Failed”: SCC 24/34 disables thesecond subscription, and keeps the first subscription enabled. The MNO 7connectivity shall be active, i.e. eUICC 6 shall remain attached tonetwork 1 with the first subscription, or shall reattach to network 1with the first subscription if the radio device 5 is in detached mode oris attached with the second subscription.

Below follow some other aspects of the present disclosure.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided aconnectivity service platform 2 for a communication network 1. Theconnectivity service platform 2 comprises means (e.g. the processorcircuitry 21, such as the SCC 24) for receiving 50 a subscription changemessage 82 comprising instructions for the connectivity service platform2 to change from a currently enabled first subscription to a secondsubscription for providing a network connection to a radio device 5comprising an eUICC 6. The connectivity service platform 2 alsocomprises means (e.g. the processor circuitry 21, such as the SCC 24, incooperation with the communication interface 29) for sending 51 asubscription change message 83 to the radio device 5, comprisinginstructions for the radio device to change from the currently enabledfirst subscription to the second subscription for its networkconnection. The connectivity service platform 2 also comprises means(e.g. the processor circuitry 21, such as the SCC 24) for enabling 52the second subscription within the connectivity service platform 2,thereby enabling the connectivity service platform 2 for communicatingwith the radio device 5 via the network connection from the secondsubscription of the radio device instead of from the first subscription.The connectivity service platform 2 also comprises means (e.g. theprocessor circuitry 21, such as the TCC 22) for testing 53 the secondsubscription network connection of the radio device 5 in accordance witha predefined testing procedure 27 by using the network connection fromthe second subscription for sending at least one test message to, andreceiving at least one test message from, the radio device. Theconnectivity service platform 2 also comprises means (e.g. the processorcircuitry 21, such as the TCC 22) for verifying 54 that the secondsubscription network connection has passed the testing 53. Theconnectivity service platform 2 also comprises means (e.g. the processorcircuitry 21, such as the SCC 24) for disabling 55 the firstsubscription within the connectivity service platform 2, therebydisabling the connectivity service platform 2 from communicating withthe radio device 5 via the network connection from the firstsubscription of the radio device.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provideda radio device 5 for a communication network 1. The radio devicecomprises an eUICC 6. The radio device 5 also comprises means (e.g. theprocessor circuitry 31, such as the SCC 34, in cooperation with theradio communication interface 39) for receiving 60 a subscription changemessage 83 from a connectivity service platform 2, comprisinginstructions for the radio device 5 to change from the currently enabledfirst subscription to the second subscription for its networkconnection. The radio device 5 also comprises means (e.g. the processorcircuitry 31, such as the SCC 34) for enabling 61 the secondsubscription within the radio device 5, thereby enabling the radiodevice 5 for communicating with the connectivity service platform 2 viathe network connection from the second subscription of the radio deviceinstead of from the first subscription. The radio device 5 alsocomprises means (e.g. the processor circuitry 31, such as the TCC 32)for testing 62 the second subscription network connection of the radiodevice 5 in accordance with a predefined testing procedure 37 by usingthe network connection from the second subscription for sending at leastone test message to, and receiving at least one test message from, theconnectivity service platform 2. The radio device 5 also comprises means(e.g. the processor circuitry 31, such as the TCC 32) for verifying 63that the second subscription network connection has passed the testing62. The radio device 5 also comprises means (e.g. the processorcircuitry 31, such as the SCC 34) for disabling 64 the firstsubscription within the radio device 5, thereby disabling the radiodevice 5 from communicating with the connectivity service platform 2 viathe network connection from the first subscription of the radio device.

The present disclosure has mainly been described above with reference toa few embodiments. However, as is readily appreciated by a personskilled in the art, other embodiments than the ones disclosed above areequally possible within the scope of the present disclosure, as definedby the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method performed by a card embedded in a radiodevice in a communication network, the method comprising: receiving asubscription change message, comprising instructions to change from acurrently enabled first subscription to a second subscription for anetwork connection of the radio device; enabling the second subscriptionwithin the radio device for the radio device to communicate via thenetwork connection from the second subscription of the radio deviceinstead of from the first subscription; testing the second subscriptionnetwork connection of the radio device by using the network connectionfrom the second subscription for sending at least one test message, andreceiving at least one test message; and disabling the firstsubscription within the radio device, in response to a determinationthat the second subscription passes the testing, thereby disabling theradio device from communicating via the network connection from thefirst subscription of the radio device.
 2. The method of claim 1,wherein the card is an embedded Universal Integrated Circuit Card(eUICC); wherein enabling the second subscription comprises enabling theradio device to communicate, via the network connection from a secondsubscription, to a connectivity service platform node in thecommunication network; and wherein disabling comprises disabling theradio device from communicating with the connectivity service platformnode in the communication network via the network connection from thefirst subscription.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the methodcomprises verifying that the second subscription has passed the testing,and the disabling the first subscription comprises disabling after theverifying.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the method comprisessynchronizing a verification result that the second subscription haspassed the testing at the card with a verification result of a node inthe communication network, and wherein the determination that the secondsubscription passes the testing comprises reconciling the differentverification results.
 5. The method of claim 1, further comprisingbefore the testing: receiving a testing procedure message comprisinginformation about a predefined testing procedure performed by a node inthe communication network; and storing the received information aboutthe predefined testing procedure, wherein the testing comprises testingin accordance with the predefined testing procedure.
 6. The method ofclaim 1, further comprising receiving, before the disabling of the firstsubscription, a verification message comprising information that thesecond subscription network connection has passed a correspondingtesting procedure performed by the node in the communication network. 7.The card of claim 1, wherein the testing comprises acquiring informationindicating how well the network connection via the second subscriptionis working.
 8. The card of claim 1, wherein the enabling comprisesenabling the second subscription while the radio device has a workingnetwork connection via the first subscription.
 9. The method of claim 1,wherein the first subscription is with a first network operator, and thesecond subscription is with a second network operator, different than afirst network operator.
 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the firstsubscription comprises registration of the radio device in a homelocation register of the first network operator, and wherein the secondsubscription comprises registration of the radio device in a homelocation register of the second network operator.
 11. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the at least one test message comprises at least oneof: downlink SMS message, uplink SMS message, downlink data message,uplink data message, and message for setting up a voice call.
 12. A cardconfigured to be embedded in a radio device, the card comprises memoryand circuitry, wherein the memory comprises instructions executable bythe circuitry, whereby the card is configured to: receive a subscriptionchange message comprising instructions to change from a currentlyenabled first subscription to a second subscription for a radio device'snetwork connection; enable the second subscription within the radiodevice for the radio device to communicate via the network connectionfrom the second subscription of the radio device instead of from thefirst subscription; test the second subscription network connection ofthe radio by using the network connection from the second subscriptionfor sending at least one test message, and receiving at least one testmessage; and disable the first subscription within the radio device, inresponse to a determination that the second subscription passes thetesting, thereby disabling the radio device from communicating with theconnectivity service platform via the network connection from the firstsubscription of the radio device.
 13. The card of claim 12, wherein thecard is an embedded Universal Integrated Circuit Card (eUICC); whereinthe card is configured to enable by enabling the radio device tocommunicate, via the network connection from a second subscription, to aconnectivity service platform node in the communication network; andwherein the card is configured to disable by disabling the radio devicefrom communicating with the connectivity service platform node in thecommunication network via the network connection from the firstsubscription.
 14. The card of claim 12, wherein the card is configuredto test the second subscription by verifying that the secondsubscription has passed the testing, and the determination comprises averification result of the verifying.
 15. The card of claim 12, whereinthe card is configured to test the second subscription by synchronizinga verification result at the card that the second subscription haspassed the testing with a verification result of a node in thecommunication network, and wherein the circuitry is configured toreconcile the different verification results to reach the determinationthat the second subscription passes the testing.
 16. The card of claim12, wherein the card is configured to: receive a testing proceduremessage comprising information about a predefined testing procedure by anode in the communication network; and store the received informationabout the predefined testing procedure; wherein the card is configuredto test the second subscription by testing in accordance with thepredefined testing procedure.
 17. The card of claim 12, wherein the cardis configured to receive a verification message comprising informationthat the second subscription network connection has passed acorresponding testing procedure performed by the node in thecommunication network.
 18. The card of claim 12, wherein the testingcomprises acquiring information indicating how well the networkconnection via the second subscription is working.
 19. The card of claim12, wherein the first subscription is with a first network operator, andthe second subscription is with a second network operator, differentthan a first network operator.
 20. The card of claim 12, wherein the atleast one test message comprises at least one of: downlink SMS message,uplink SMS message, downlink data message, uplink data message, andmessage for setting up a voice call.
 21. A non-transitory computerreadable medium storing computer program code that, when run oncircuitry of a card embedded in a radio device, causes the card to:receive a subscription change message, comprising instructions to changefrom a currently enabled first subscription to a second subscription fora radio device's network connection; enable the second subscriptionwithin the radio device for the radio device to communicate via thenetwork connection from the second subscription of the radio deviceinstead of from the first subscription; test the second subscriptionnetwork connection of the radio device by using the network connectionfrom the second subscription for sending at least one test message to,and receiving at least one test message; and disable the firstsubscription within the radio device, in response to a determinationthat the second subscription passes the testing, thereby disabling theradio device from communicating with the connectivity service platformvia the network connection from the first subscription of the radiodevice.